How Do I Become A WIC Vendor?
The vendor application process for the West Virginia Special
Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
is relatively simple. Any interested grocery stores or pharmacies
located in the State of West Virginia who wish to participate in the
WIC Program need to contact the Vendor Management Unit (VMU) of the WV
WIC Program at 304-558-1115.
You may also inquire about becoming a WV WIC
Vendor by completing the On-Line Vendor
Inquiry Form. A staff member will collect the necessary
information to have an application mailed to the applicant vendor and
will review the four criteria required of applicant grocery vendors
and the requirement that pharmacies provide the specialized formula
within forty-eight hours of the request.
All grocery store vendors are required to stock specific types and
quantities of food that meet certain nutritional needs of the
participants served by the WIC Program. These specific types and
amounts of food are listed on the Minimum Stock Grid.
After the vendor has determined that his/her stock complies with
the Minimum Stock Grid, the completed
application, including shelf prices of WIC approved food, is to be
returned to the WV WIC Program, VMU, 350 Capitol Street, Room 519
Charleston, WV 25301-3717.
An unannounced site visit to the applicant vendor will be conducted
by a VMU staff member to verify that the Minimum Stock requirements
are being met, to verify shelf prices and to review business, food
stamp, and if applicable,
sanitary licenses. The vendor's shelf prices
will be entered into the computer system and the store's prices will
be compared to the WIC Program's Maximum Price Edit. The vendor's
price must be at or below the Maximum Price Edit in order for the
application process to continue. If the store's prices exceed the
edit, a VMU staff member will contact the store with information about
the food items that may need to be reduced in price in order to comply
with the Maximum Price Edit. If the vendor's prices are at or below
the Maximum Price Edit, a letter will be issued inviting the vendor to
training. Applicant vendors are required to attend a comprehensive
training session on the Rules and Regulations of the WIC Program prior
to authorization as a WIC vendor. Training is held monthly in
Charleston, WV. Authorization usually is effective at the beginning of
the following month.
Applicant vendors are issued a six month probationary contract. At
the end of the probationary period , a performance review of the
vendor's ability to accept and process WIC drafts correctly will be
completed. If this review meets the approval of the WIC Program VMU,
an extension contract will be issued to the vendor to place his
contract expiration within the scope of other vendors in that
immediate area. Vendor contracts are generally based upon a two year
period.
Vendor authorization is not transferable.
For further information, please contact the VMU at 304-558-1115.
